Wednesday, January 04, 2017

DATES CALIFORNIA GUN LAWS TAKE EFFECT

Between state legislation and voter-approved ballot initiatives, 2016 saw passage of sweeping new gun regulations in California. Some of the new rules take effect in 2017. Others are staggered over the next two years. Here’s your guide to California’s new era of gun ownership.

Theft/loss reporting

When it becomes a crime to falsely report a firearm has been lost or stolen
Jan. 1Start date for requirement that theft or loss of a firearm must be reported to law enforcement within five days
July 1

Lending firearms

When it becomes illegal, with limited exceptions, to loan guns to anyone outside of immediate family members
Jan. 1

Large-capacity magazine restrictions

When it becomes illegal, with limited exceptions, to possess magazines capable of holding more than 10 rounds
July 1

Assault weapon restrictions

Start date for the new definition of “assault weapon”
Jan. 1 Deadline to register a newly designated assault weapon with the state
Dec. 31, 2017

Restrictions on home-built “ghost guns” and guns without serial numbers

Start date for requirement that you get state permission before manufacturing or assembling a firearm
July 1, 2018 Deadline to place a serial number on any unmarked firearm possessed after July 1, 2018
Dec. 31, 2018

Ammunition restrictions

Start date for requirement that ammunition sales or transfers be conducted through a licensed ammunition vendor
Jan. 1, 2018 When you no longer can import ammunition bought outside the state without first shipping it to a licensed vendor
Jan. 1, 2018Start date for requirement that Californians undergo background checks to buy ammunition
July 1, 2019

Handgun storage law

Start date for requirement that handguns be stored in a locked container or locked trunk when left in an unattended vehicle
Jan. 1 Sources: Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, Legislative Analyst’s Office, California legal codes.

[NOTE: due-dates which are not followed by the year are assumed to be 2017. That means that they are immediately applicable. Ignorance Is No Excuse. Resistance is Futile.]